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Uber Luggage Policy, Etiquette, & Which Ride To Call

Everything you need to know about Uber luggage: luggage policy, tipping and more explained for UberPool, Uber X, Uber Select, Uber Black, Uber SUV.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber allows luggage, but space varies across vehicle types. Consider luggage size and number of passengers.
  • UberSUV and UberBlack SUV offer the most space. UberX and UberXL are also viable for fewer bags.
  • Choose based on the number of passengers, luggage size, and vehicle type. Fewer passengers mean more luggage space.
  • Drivers may help with luggage, but it’s not guaranteed. Be courteous and inform them in advance about luggage needs.

Uber Luggage Policy: Can You Put Luggage in Uber?

Yes, you can take luggage in an Uber – drivers typically expect luggage for airport trips. However, the amount of luggage that fits depends on the Uber type.

Smaller services like UberX are great for few riders with few bags, while larger options like UberXL or Uber Black SUV are better for more or larger luggage.

What Uber is Best for Luggage?

The best Uber option for luggage depends on the number of passengers and the amount of luggage.

If you’re traveling alone or with a small amount of luggage, UberX is usually sufficient. However, for two or more people with multiple bags each, I would suggest larger options like UberXL, UberSUV, or UberBlack SUV.

These options offer more space for luggage, especially when the number of passengers is less than the vehicle’s capacity. But remember, larger vehicles might come with additional fees.

Uber TypeMax PassengersLuggage CapacityIdeal Scenario
UberXUp to 42-3 people with luggage, tight for large bagsSmall groups or moderate luggage
Uber ComfortUp to 41 large + carry-ons, more legroomComfort with extra space, good for airport
UberXL5-74 people with luggage, collapsible seatsLarger groups or more luggage
Uber BlackVariesLuxury, less space for luggageLuxury travel, moderate luggage
Uber Black SUV5-7High capacity for full-sized luggageLarge groups with significant luggage

Brett’s Take: Thoughts From an Expert

While many cars can accommodate standard luggage, there’s no guarantee about the trunk space availability, as drivers aren’t required to have an empty trunk.

Drivers picking up from the airport will usually expect luggage though, so they’ll do their best to fit yours when they pick you up.

If there is no trunk space available, drivers typically allow passengers to use the back seat for extra luggage, especially if it’s handled carefully to avoid damaging the interior.

However, it’s important to respect the driver’s vehicle and not assume this will always be allowed.

Regardless of what type of Uber you call, if you have a large amount of luggage, I suggest calling or texting the driver ahead of time to let them know. This courtesy can prevent surprises and potential issues at pick-up.

Do Uber Drivers Help With Luggage?

Uber drivers may offer to help with luggage, especially if you’re struggling with heavy bags. However, they are not required to do so.

Some drivers might prefer to stay in the car due to varying travel requirements or personal comfort. It’s best not to expect assistance but appreciate it if offered.

Can Uber Deliver Luggage?

Unfortunately, no— Uber is not currently set up to deliver luggage on its own. However, if you are traveling with it and handle the bags yourself, you and your luggage can use Uber for transport.

If you’re really desperate though, there are technically ways to use Uber to move, so you can theoretically use Uber to move your luggage.

Tips for Successful Uber Luggage Use

With Uber becoming an ever-more popular travel option, it’s important to know the etiquette and tips for being a good Uber passenger.

vector graphic showing rider loading uber luggage into vehicle

1. Let the Driver Know the Luggage Situation in Advance

If you’re going to need a minute (or a hand) getting your bags in the trunk, it’s helpful to let the Uber driver know that as soon as possible— preferably when you reserve the ride.

This is especially true at high-traffic locations like the airport or bus station, as your driver may have to find a time-limited place to park while picking you up or dropping you off.

They might also have limited trunk space and need to move things around before your ride.

In any case, letting the driver know if you’ve got some especially large or heavy bags can save you both some time.

2. Be Courteous of the Vehicle

Treat your Uber driver’s car as if was your own, or even better. Remember that these are personal, important vehicles that the driver cares deeply about.

  • Never leave trash or crumbs in your Uber.
  • Don’t put your shoes on anything besides the floor.
  • Leave the Uber’s car just as clean as it was when it arrived.

In addition, some drivers may have personal policies against carrying large amounts or specific types of luggage.

Be prepared for these variations and respect the driver’s decision if they choose not to accommodate excessive luggage.

3. Tip Well, Especially If They Help

Uber tipping is especially important in the ridesharing industry since drivers are working challenging jobs and allowing people into their personal vehicles.

Always tip your driver very well for good service. If your driver offers to help with your bags, be sure to tip extra!

Added Thoughts Regarding Uber’s Luggage Capacity

The overall capacity for carrying luggage will depend heavily on which Uber fares service you select, not which luxury car you choose. We’ll break down the list here:

UberPool Luggage Capacity

vector graphic showing two uber riders outside of an uberpool vehicle

Technically speaking, UberPool always allows personal bags.

But if you share a vehicle, there is never a guarantee that there will be enough room for everyone’s luggage.

It’s possible that the other riders will have claimed all of the available trunk space, leaving you with your bag by your feet— if that’s not taken, too.

For this reason, it’s generally recommended to get an UberX, and not an UberPool, if you’re taking a lot of luggage along.

This is especially true for large groups with medium luggage.

UberX Luggage Capacity

vector graphic of UberX - affordable rides on demand

Typically, UberX can transport up to four passengers at once, but there are no space requirements when it comes to luggage.

That means you can expect to have some room for luggage if you are traveling alone or in a small group.

But if you have three friends with you, there may not be room for everyone’s— or even anyone’s— bags.

The room for luggage with UberX will depend on the vehicle that arrives to pick you up.

After all, there are a wide range of cars that drive for this service.

It’s best not to expect very much luggage room for every passenger just in case you wind up in a cramped ride.

UberXL Luggage Capacit

a vector graphic showing an Uber XL vehicle with the text "affordable rides for groups up to 6" above it

Just like UberX, UberXL doesn’t have a maximum number of bags you can take onto their vehicles.

The difference is that the selection of vehicles is all bigger than most other Uber services.

You can expect to have a good amount of room for you and your bags.

Since UberXL is designed to transport up to six passengers, it’s generally safe to assume that three or four passengers can fit with some luggage.

It may even be possible to fit all six riders and their bags, but again, this is not guaranteed.

Generally speaking, you can expect more room for your luggage and other people in an UberXL, but take into consideration the size and amount of your bags first.

If all six people have a good amount of luggage, it might be a good idea to ride in two UberXLs.

Uber Select Luggage Capacity

Uber Select vehicles are designed to have at least enough room for one piece of luggage and one personal bag for each rider.

It’s important to keep in mind that many different vehicles can work effectively for Uber Select, and the specific vehicle that arrives to transport you may not be suited to handle oversized luggage.

While you can generally expect to take an average-sized suitcase (and small personal bag) on an Uber Select ride, think about more space.

If you think you may need any more space, it may be a safe bet to reserve an UberXL or Uber Black instead.

Uber Black and Black SUV Luggage Capacity

vector graphic showing a luxury vehicle next to the text "Uber Black"

With a reputation for professionalism, Uber Black is meant to seat four people comfortably in a sleek, stylish ride.

However, this means it may not be able to fit four peoples’ luggage as well, depending on the type of vehicle used.

For this reason, if you’re traveling with lots of people and bags, the safest option is to select an Uber Black SUV, which is much more likely to have the trunk space you need for your bags.

Essentially, Uber Black SUV is a size-upgraded version of Uber Black, with more seats and room guaranteed.

That makes it a great option to travel in comfort even if you’re bringing quite a few bags along for the ride.

Traveling with Uber & Luggage

Before you arrange your travel, remember to carefully consider how many people are coming with you, and how much luggage they are each taking, before selecting your Uber option.

If you’re travelling alone or with one friend, you can most likely select a smaller Uber option— so long as your bags are smaller than taking two other people along.

When travelling in a group of three or four, you’ll need one of the larger Uber options if everyone’s got a bag.

Lots of people and lots of large luggage? Call a few Uber XLs— it’s better than running out of room!

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